Taking the time to notice what needs are going unmet and how you can go about assisting others, is a good place to begin. Once you decide on a niche, you will then want to make a plan on how to market the business. Word of mouth is an excellent way to promote any business and once you establish a group of satisfied customers, this can be your best marketing tool of all. But to get started you might try creating flyers and putting them in mailboxes in the neighborhoods you wish to serve. You may put up posters in your local library, supermarkets, and large retail establishments as well. Also, be sure to share your news with friends, family, etc., so they too can help you get the word out.
Whether it be dog sitting, mowing lawns, or shopping for the elderly, all require a level of maturity and responsibility required in the workplace. Doing caricatures or playing music for vacationers and shoppers is a great opportunity for those aristically inclined. Using one's creative thought process plus any special talents or skills can be a good place to start when planning your own business. The key is using some imaginative thought and then putting your plan into action.